BoxRec

In an old (1931) issue of Ring Magazine, cartoonist Lank Leonard referred to Pat Redmond, recently beaten by then up-and-coming Primo Carnera, as a “seal.”

I have a strong suspicion that Leonard is implying Redmond took a dive, as many Carnera opponents at the time were accused of doing. Can anyone confirm my suspicion? I haven’t seen the term “seal” used to describe a boxer since.

I never came across the term either, but I agree that the cartoonist was probably implying Redmond took a dive. And probably rightly so.

That's a very interesting term for a fighter who takes a dive. Funny. Sarcastic as hell.

Just watched the movie "The Harder they Fall" not too long ago. Which is based pretty obviously on Carnera's career, maybe slightly exaggerated as Hollywood is known to do, but obviously influenced by his career in a very big and obvious way.

I'm sure there were plenty of "seals" along the route for Primo. I wonder if it was even fixed when he won the title?

Yes. It was.

Oh go home.

there was a Black heavyweight boxer in the late 1920's and 1930's known as Cecil "Seal" Harris,
who was also one of Joe Louis's main sparring partners.
interesting his last pro fight was in 1935 against Primo Carnera.
http://www.boxrec.com/en//proboxer/26753